Ruth Chapter 1: A Detailed Explanation

Introduction to the Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth is a unique and deeply moving narrative found in the Old Testament. It is set during the time of the judges, a turbulent period characterized by moral and spiritual decline in Israel. Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes an essential figure in biblical history, playing a crucial role in the genealogy of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Chapter 1 introduces the story’s key characters and sets the stage for the central themes of loyalty, faith, and divine providence.

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Verses 1-2: Setting the Scene

"Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem-Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-Judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there."

Context and Analysis:

The phrase “in the days when the judges ruled” situates the story in a time of instability and lawlessness in Israel (Judges 21:25).
Famine in Bethlehem (ironically meaning “house of bread”) forces Elimelech and his family to migrate to Moab. This reflects how dire conditions were, making even enemy territory (Moab) seem like a better alternative.
Elimelech’s decision to leave suggests a lack of faith in God’s provision, as Israelites were expected to trust God even during hardships.

Moab: A Brief Background

The Moabites descended from Lot’s incestuous relationship with his daughter (Genesis 19:36-37).
Moab had a history of hostility towards Israel (Numbers 22-25; Deuteronomy 23:3-6), making this migration an unusual and controversial move.

Verses 3-5: Tragedy Strikes

"And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband."

Key Observations:

Elimelech’s Death
- Naomi becomes a widow in a foreign land, a devastating situation in ancient times, where women were largely dependent on men for protection and provision.
Intermarriage with Moabite Women
- Mahlon and Chilion marry Orpah and Ruth, Moabite women, which was frowned upon under Israelite law (Deuteronomy 7:3).
- However, the fact that Ruth later integrates into Israelite society suggests that God’s grace extends beyond ethnic boundaries.
Death of Mahlon and Chilion
- Their deaths leave Naomi completely alone, making her situation desperate. She loses not only her family but also her means of livelihood.
- This symbolizes the emptiness Naomi will later express (Ruth 1:20-21).

Verses 6-7: Naomi’s Decision to Return

"Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her, and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah."

Themes Highlighted:

God’s Provision
- News reaches Naomi that God has “visited His people” by providing food. This demonstrates that while God had disciplined Israel with famine, He was still faithful to His covenant people.
Naomi’s Return as a Spiritual Homecoming
- Her decision to go back to Bethlehem symbolizes a form of repentance and renewal.
The Role of the Daughters-in-Law
- Both Orpah and Ruth initially set out with Naomi, showing their love and loyalty to her.

Verses 8-9: Naomi’s Plea for Them to Stay

"And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept."

Naomi’s Selflessness:

Despite her own sorrow, Naomi encourages Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab and remarry.
She invokes God’s blessing upon them, reflecting her faith despite personal suffering.

Verses 10-14: Orpah and Ruth’s Responses

Orpah kisses Naomi and returns to Moab. While her decision is not condemned, she chooses the more practical and easier path.
Ruth, however, clings to Naomi, showing her extraordinary commitment.

Verses 15-18: Ruth’s Declaration of Loyalty

"And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

Ruth’s Unwavering Commitment:

Complete Loyalty – She chooses Naomi’s people and God over her own homeland and culture.
Faith in Yahweh – Her words indicate not only devotion to Naomi but also conversion to Israel’s God.
A Foreshadowing of God’s Redemption – Ruth, a foreigner, being grafted into Israel’s lineage prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvation plan.

Verses 19-21: Naomi’s Bitterness

"And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty."

Key Points:

Naomi’s name change from "Naomi" (pleasant) to "Mara" (bitter) expresses her grief.
She blames God, yet acknowledges His sovereignty.
Her return is in sharp contrast to her departure—she left full (with a husband and sons) and returned empty.

Verse 22: A Glimmer of Hope

"So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest."

The Timing Is Significant
- The barley harvest signals a new beginning, foreshadowing redemption and restoration.
Introduction to Boaz (Indirectly)
- The mention of harvest prepares for the next chapter, where Boaz, a key figure in Ruth’s story, enters.

Themes in Ruth Chapter 1

God’s Sovereignty in Suffering – Naomi sees her hardships as part of God’s will, though she does not yet see His redemptive plan.
Faithfulness and Loyalty – Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi is a powerful example of love and commitment.
Hope Amidst Despair – Even in loss, the barley harvest signals restoration is coming.

Conclusion

Ruth Chapter 1 introduces the story with tragedy, loyalty, and a journey of faith. It sets the stage for the unfolding redemption, demonstrating that even in suffering, God is at work, bringing about a greater purpose—one that leads not only to Ruth’s blessing but ultimately to the coming of the Messiah through her lineage.

BIBLE LIBRARY777

Friday, March 28, 2025